Tachypnea
Tachypnea | |
ICD-10 | R06.0 |
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ICD-9 | 786.06 |
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
Tachypnea (or "tachypnoea") (Greek: "rapid breathing") is characterized by rapid breathing and is not identical with hyperventilation - tachypnea may be necessary for a sufficient gas-exchange of the body, for example after exercise, in which case it is not hyperventilation.
Common Causes of Tachypnea
congestive heart failure COPD Metabolic acidosis
Differential Diagnosis of Disorders Associated with Tachypnea
In alphabetical order:
- Acute MI
- Angina
- Anxiety
- Beta-agonists
- CHF
- COPD
- Diabetic ketoacidosis
- Head trauma
- Hyperthyroidism
- Hypotension
- Metabolic acidosis
- Pneumonia
- Pneumothorax
- Restrictive lung disease
- Salicylate toxicity
- Sepsis
- Severe dehydration
- Sympathomimetics (e.g. cocaine)
Diagnosis
History and Symptoms
- History focus on time course, associated symptoms, past history, precipitants
Physical Examination
Tachypnea varies with age:
- Infants = 24-38 rpm
- Adults & small children = 12-19 rpm
Laboratory Findings
Useful laboratory studies to order might include:
- Arterial blood gas
- CBC
- Electrolytes
- Renal function
- Glucose
- Pulse oximetry
- Pulmonary function
- Asprin levels
- Toxicology screen
Chest X Ray
- Should be included in workup
Spiral CT
- This is a useful study to evaluate both the lung parenchyma and to rule out pulmonary embolism
Echocardiography
- Useful if congestive heart failure, congenital heart disease, or cardiac tamponade are suspected
Treatment
- Immediatly asess airway, breathing and circulation
- Administer oxygen
- Evaluate potential toxic ingestions and treat immediatly
- Treat any pain appropriatly
See also
- Hyperventilation, deep or fast breathing
- Hyperpnea
- Hypoventilation, too shallow or too slow breathing
- Control of respiration